Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised India’s stronger-than-expected economic performance for the first quarter of FY 2026-27, while renewing his call for citizens to prioritise domestic spending over foreign travel, destination weddings abroad, and unnecessary gold purchases — reinforcing the government’s long-standing Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat push.
A Stronger-Than-Expected GDP Number
According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s real GDP grew by 7.8% year-on-year in the April-June quarter of 2026-27, comfortably beating the Reserve Bank of India’s earlier estimate of 7% growth. India’s real GDP for the quarter was estimated at ₹81.36 lakh crore, up from ₹75.46 lakh crore in the same period last year. However, the growth rate did mark a slowdown compared to the previous quarter’s revised 8.6% figure. The strong performance was driven by robust domestic consumption, private investment, and manufacturing, which grew by 9.2%, alongside strong showings in financial services, real estate, IT, and professional services.
Modi’s Message From Kyrgyzstan
PM Modi shared his reaction through a selfie-style video posted on Instagram while attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. “Many congratulations to the people of the country. 7.8% growth has filled the country with happiness and joy,” he said, describing the achievement as a reflection of the “collective strength” and hard work of ordinary Indians. He specifically highlighted that this growth was achieved despite significant global headwinds, including ongoing wars, supply-chain disruptions, and continued economic uncertainty following the pandemic years.
The ‘Wed in India’ and Swadeshi Push
Alongside the celebration, Modi used the moment to renew a familiar appeal — asking Indians to reduce spending abroad and instead channel it back into the domestic economy. “Do not travel abroad for tourism. Avoid hosting destination weddings in foreign countries. We should follow the mantra of ‘Wed in India’,” he said. He further advised citizens to avoid purchasing gold unless it was genuinely necessary, tying the appeal to India’s broader goal of conserving foreign exchange, given that India imports the vast majority of the gold it consumes.
Importantly, this is a policy appeal, not a restriction — Modi did not announce any ban or new regulation on foreign travel, overseas weddings, or gold purchases. Citizens remain entirely free to make these choices; the message was framed as encouragement to consider domestic alternatives where possible.
Not a New Message
This isn’t the first time Modi has made this specific appeal. He previously promoted the “Wed in India” concept in November 2025 and May 2025 as part of the government’s ongoing “Vocal for Local” campaign. He had also urged similar restraint on foreign travel and gold purchases earlier this year, citing global instability linked to the West Asia conflict and its impact on fuel prices and foreign exchange reserves.
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